She clutched her stomach, beads of cold sweat trickling down her cheeks as she bit her lip hard. After saying that, she acted like she was about to faint.
Simon instinctively reached out to steady her. "Quinn..."
Quinn nestled into his embrace, tears streaming down her face. "Simon, losing the baby was painful enough. I can't handle seeing my sister right now."
She shut her eyes, looking utterly shattered. Clara stood nearby, watching the whole scene unfold, and couldn't help but admire Quinn's performance. No wonder she had everyone wrapped around her finger for so long.
But Clara wasn't one to back down easily. She turned to Simon. "Simon, just send me to an asylum. It's always the same—whenever she puts on that innocent face, everyone believes her. I'm exhausted."
Her lashes lowered, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "But I had nothing to do with the baby. You all convicted me without even checking the facts. I've got nothing left to say."
Simon opened his mouth, holding Quinn close, but his gaze lingered on Clara, unsure of what to do next. He stayed silent, and Quinn grew anxious because Clara had just nailed the truth.
"Simon, help me inside. I need to rest," Quinn pleaded.
Simon didn't move; his eyes were still fixed on Clara. Quinn's eyes blazed with resentment, her teeth nearly grinding to dust. She bit her tongue until it bled, coughed a couple of times, and showed Simon the blood in her palm.
Simon quickly helped her back to the hospital room. "Quinn, are you okay?"
Quinn shook her head, clutching her heart. "It's just the grief over the baby. It'll get better with time. Simon, I'm not heartless. I won't let Mom send Clara to an asylum. Weren't we going to marry her off to Nate? Just send her to Nate's place, and let him keep an eye on her. At least until we get married, keep her away."
With Nate in the picture, Clara was sure to be tormented. Simon hesitated.
Quinn was furious and played the victim to gain the upper hand. "Simon, I want to be alone. Please leave."
She hoped Simon would stay, but he stood up. "Rest well."
Quinn was left speechless, watching him walk away. Simon closed the door behind him as he left the room. He found Clara still standing outside.
Their interactions had been tense recently, but her vulnerability earlier softened something in him. Clara saw him come out and managed a smile. "Are you planning to send me to the asylum?"
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